ANSC40270

This module is aimed at students taking the MSc in Animal Science. It is also suitable for PhD students working in the area of reproductive physiology in domestic animals.

The ability to reproduce is a defining feature of all living organisms. However, there are many factors which impinge on reproductive success. Reproductive efficiency is the main driver of profitability in livestock production systems. Understanding the factors that regulate the reproductive axis in males and females is essential to the successful manipulation of reproduction in order to optimise reproductive efficiency. This module is designed for graduates who want to develop expertise in reproductive biology as applied to livestock production systems. The online lectures and materials will give students the necessary theoretical foundation and applied focus to critically engage with the major issues in livestock reproduction. The module will begin with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of reproduction in livestock species and then go into detail on the application of assisted reproductive technologies to animal breeding (including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, in vitro fertilisation, sex-sorted semen, oestrous synchronisation, cloning, gene editing etc). Students will be exposed to some of the latest research in the area and will deepen their knowledge by preparing a literature review on a specific topic.